Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

PREAMBLE
IN THE NAME OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD,
We the members of the Global Evangelical Church Choirmasters Union
IN A SPIRIT of establishing for ourselves a Framework of Government for the Smooth
Administration/Management of the Affairs of our Union,
IDENTIFYING the great values of music in praises and worship,
DESIRING to foster unflinching solidarity and welfare among members of the union, the
choirs under our jurisdiction and the church, and to promote the spiritual and
moral life of members of the union,
LOOKING FORWARD to working for the enhancement of the Music Ministry in the
Church,
REALISING the importance of the Principles of Good Governance and Rule of Law to
the protection and stability of our Union,
Do adopt, enact and give to ourselves this constitution for the smooth governance of
the Union.
ARTICLE 1: SUPRREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION
1. This Constitution shall be the Supreme Law governing the activities/conduct of
the members of the Union and any other law found to be inconsistent with any
provision(s) in this constitution shall to the extent of the inconsistency be null and
void.
2. Notwithstanding clause (1) of this article, this constitution shall be subject to the
constitution of the Global Evangelical Church.
ARTICLE 2: NAME AND STATUS OF THE UNION
1. The union shall be known and called Global Evangelical Church Choirmasters
Union thereafter referred to as the Union.
2. The Union, a Christian-based, shall be a non partisan organization and shall
reserve the right to accept or reject the cooperation with any other organization.

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

ARTICLE 3: MOTTO AND SALUTATION

Motto:
Salutation: Sing! Praises to our Lord!
ARTICLE 4: AIMS/OBJECTIVES OF THE UNIOIN
The union shall among other things,
1. Engage in rigorous bible study and prayer activities.
2. Spearhead the implementation of Music component of the Values of the Global
Evangelical Church
3. Be committed to bringing together and fostering a spirit of brotherliness among its
members.
4. Promote the welfare of its members.
5. Insist on maintaining high moral standards by members.
6. Seek to establish and maintain an effective collaboration between all Global
Evangelical Church Choirs, other Choirs of the church and other organizations
within/outside the church who share in the visions and aspirations of the union.
7. Spearhead the practicability of the aims/objectives of the National Church Choirs
Union.
8. Strive to maintain high music standards through
a. The design and promotion of programmes/workshops aimed at capacity
building to enhance the teaching and performance of music in the church.
b. Encouraging short-time inter-congregational interaction between choirmasters
by invitation.
c. Encouraging members to take advantage of available music workshops
outside the church.
d. Working hand-in-hand with other music groups in the church without
compromising the core structures of choral music.
ARTICLE 5: MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership of the union shall be in three categories or status:

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

(a) full-membership without limited powers;

(b) full-membership with limited powers;
(c) associate/affiliate members.
2. The membership status or categories in clause (1) of this article shall be opened to
a. Choirmasters/Organists of all registered choirs in the National Church Choirs
Union of the Global Evangelical Church.
b. Choirmasters/Organists of all choirs that indicate their intensions to register as
part of the National Church Choirs Union of the church.
c. Choirmasters or musicians who believe in the true teachings of the bible and
share in the visions and aspirations of the union.
3. Notwithstanding sections (a), (b) and (c) of clause 2 of this article, the three
membership categories or status shall operate as follows;
a. Full-membership without limited powers shall be available to a residence
choirmaster who is a card bearing member of the Global Evangelical Church
and shall reserve the right to be elected/appointed to any office of the
Executive Committee of the Union.
b. Full-membership with limited powers shall be available to
i.

a residence Choirmaster/Organist who is not a card-bearing member of

the Global
Evangelical Church and shall not hold such positions as Chairman, Vice
Chairman, General Secretary or Treasurer either through election or by
appointment.

ii. a visiting choirmaster to any registered choir in the Church and shall not
hold any position on the executive committee of the union.
c. Affiliate/associate membership shall be available to a choirmaster or musician
who does not fall under sections (a) and (b) of clause 3 of this article but
believes and upholds the visions and aspirations of the union and shall not
hold any position on the executive committee.
4. Notwithstanding sections (a), (b), and (c) of clause 2 of this article, all the
membership categories or status shall be eligible to any financial or material

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

benefit upon fulfillment of their financial obligation(s) in accordance with

relevant provisions in this Constitution.
5. Members who frequently absent themselves from meetings shall be referred to a
disciplinary committee for appropriate sanctions.
6. All members shall have photo-identification cards which shall be renewed every
three years upon fulfillment of financial obligation(s).
ARTICLE 6: DUTIES, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS
Members of the Union shall at all times
1. Believe and uphold the teachings of Jesus Christ.
2.

Uphold and defend the Constitution of the Union.

3. Be obliged to participate in all general activities organized by the Union.

4. Be entitled to uphold the rights recognized by this constitution.
5. Fulfill all financial obligations of the Union.
6. Strive to promote good sense of brotherliness among them.
7. Protect and respect the rights of other members of the Union.
8. Value and protect all assets and properties of the Union.
9. Endeavour to abstain/refrain from all acts that may bring retard the development
of the Union and bring the Unions name into disrepute.
10. Submit to the authority of this constitution.
11. Have positive regards for all members of the Union.
ARTICLE 7: ACTIVITIES OF THE UNION
The Union shall among other things undertake the following activities;
1. Organize Music workshops and symposia aimed at capacity building.
2. Organize Leadership and Management Workshops for members
3. Organize Retreats for Choirmasters.
4. Organize Executive and General Meetings.
5. Other achievable activities that are development oriented; welfare, moral,
spiritual.

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

ARTICLE 8: THE GENERAL COUNCIL

1. (i) There shall be a Compulsory General Council Meeting (hereafter referred to
as General Meetings) summoned by the Executive Committee.
(ii) There shall be two (2) General Meetings per annum; one in every
January/February and the other in July/August.
2. The General Meetings of the Union shall:
a. Be the highest decision making body of the Union and any decision taken
at such a forum shall be binding unless otherwise repealed by appropriate
procedure(s) prescribed in this constitution.
b. Have its agenda circulated amongst members through letters or text
messages or telephone calls (or any other appropriate communication
channel as shall be agreed upon) at reasonable duration to enable
adequate and proper planning for such meetings.
c. Be summoned as often as emergency businesses shall arise.
d. Give the Executive Committee and other functional committees or
commissions under this constitution, necessary instructions for the
furtherance of work.
e. Have the authority to dissolve the Executive Committee on matters or
conducts that seek to or purported to or have actually cause injury to any
provision(s) in this constitution.
f. Receive and consider reports from the Executive Committee and other
functional committee(s) or commission(s), and shall adopt or reject any
such report(s).
g. Pursuant to clause (6) of this article implement decisions of a disciplinary
committee bordering criminality and general misconduct on the part of the
Executive Committee as whole or a member therein.
3. Notwithstanding clauses (6), (7) and (8) of this article, disciplinary measures
against the Chairman and/or the Vice Chairman shall be jointly arrived at and

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

implemented by the Union and the National Church Choirs Union Executive
Committee.
ARTICLE 9: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND ITS FUNCTIONS
1. The Union shall have a governing body referred to as the Executive Committee
2. Each Presbytery within the National Church Choirs Union shall nominate and
appoint, a Choirmaster (if applicable shall be deemed to have been nominated
and appointed unless otherwise) to serve on the Executive Committee).
The Executive Committee shall
3. Be the administrative organ of the Union responsible for the smooth governance
of the Union.
4. At general meetings be required to brief or appraise the general Membership on
all policy initiatives and programs.
5. Seek the approval of the general membership on matters of policies and programs
implementation as prescribed in this constitution either through consensus or vote
(in which case decisions approved by vote shall be by simple majority).
6. Reserve the right to implement emergency measures for issues that require
immediate action/solution and shall notify the General membership at a later
meeting.
7. The Executive Committee shall consist of
a. Chairman
b. Vice Chairman
c. General Secretary
d. Treasurer
e. Financial Secretary
f. Welfare Officer
g. Organizing Secretary
h. Presbytery Representatives

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

8. The Members of the Executive Committee shall report to the General Council at
least once a year on policies and programs implemented or intended to implement
to realize the goals/objectives of the Union.
9. Pursuant to clauses (1), (2) and (3) of article 5 of this constitution, the positions in
clause (7) of this article shall be constituted as follows:
a. The National Choirmaster and the Assistant National Choirmaster/Organist
shall assume the positions as Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively.
b. All the Presbyteries recognized by the National Church Choirs Union of the
Church shall either appoint or elect one choirmaster (not necessarily a
Presbytery Choirmaster) to serve on the Executive Committee of the Union.
c. Positions c, d, e, f, and g of clause (7) of this article shall be available to the
Presbytery representatives, and shall be decided either by consensus or
through a vote cast at a special Executive Committee meeting presided over
by the Chairman.
10. The Executive Committee shall be just and reasonable in dealing with members of
the Union regarding their rights, duties and benefits in accordance with law.
11. The Executive Committee shall actively promote the integration of the members
of the Union and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of educational
background, gender, physical appearance or financial status.
12. Policies, programs and projects of one Executive Committee shall be accessed
and continued by a successor Executive Committee on the grounds that such
project(s) shall inure to the benefit of the Union.
13. The Executive Committee Members shall not make policies or rules or implement
same that seek to benefit them to the detriment of the general membership of the
Union.
ARTICLE 10: FUNCTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
(A) The Chairman shall
1. be the head and leader of the Union and shall exercise executive authority vested
in him/her in accordance with the provisions of this constitution

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

2. Preside over all meetings organized by the Union.

3. Pave the powers to direct the General Secretary or any other member to summon
meetings.
4. Have the right to vote at Executive Committee meetings only.
5. Lost the right to vote during general proceedings of the Union, instead, he shall
have the power to veto in the case of a tie after the declaration of results during
vote cast.
(B) The Vice Chairman shall
1. Deputize for the Chairman and shall reserve the right to exercise Executive
powers available to the Office of the Chairman as enshrined in this Constitution.
2. Reserve the right to serve on any committee or commission that the Executive
Committee or the General Membership decides.
3. Pursuant to section (B) clause (1) of this article, the Vice Chairman shall loose his
right to vote when he functions as Chairman at general meeting(s).
(C) The General Secretary shall
1. Be responsible for all correspondence to and from the Union unless otherwise
directed to a specific office or officer.
2. Record and keep minutes of all meetings of the Union.
3. Act as the Public Relations Secretary of the Union
4. Perform any other duty assigned him/her by the Chairman or the Union.
(D) The Treasurer shall
1. Receive and keep accurate records of all monies for the Union and disburse as
shall be directed by the General Meeting or the Executive Committee.
2. Keep not more than one-sixth (1/6) of all monies belonging to the Union an
imprest (to be determined by the Executive Committee).
3. In consultation with the Financial Secretary and the Executive Committee,
formulate and present a comprehensive Financial Investment Policy to the Union.
4. With the assistance of the Financial Secretary and the Executive Committee,
prepare and read the Unions Financial Statement(s) at the close of every financial
year.

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

5. Perform any other duty assigned him/her

(E) The Financial Secretary shall
1. Prepares an annual budget for the administration of the Union.
2. Assist the Unions Treasurer on financial matters for greater efficiency to avoid
gross abuse of the Unions funds.
3. Ensure that all monies due the Union such as Dues, Levies, Fines, Special
Collections, Donations, Investment Incomes, etc are collected by him in
collaboration with the Treasurer, recorded in details and shall pay same to the
Treasurer promptly with evidence of payment.
4. Be responsible for the keeping of proper and accurate books of accounts,
including Members Ledger and in collaboration with the Treasurer.
5. Prepare Financial Statement(s) of the Union.
(F) The Organizing Secretary shall
1. In close contact with other members of the Executive Committee oversee the
arrangement and organization of all meeting venues.
2. In close collaboration with the Chairman, maintain discipline at all meeting
venues and during proceedings.
3. Have the power to co-opt as many people as possible to aid in the performance of
his/her duties.
4. Shall perform any other task assigned him by the Executive Committee and/or the
General Meeting.
(G) The Welfare Officer shall
1. Be the head of the Welfare Committee of the Union and the principal advisor to
the Union on all matters relating to the welfare of members.
2. Coordinate all efforts aimed at the formulation of welfare policies which shall be
presented to the Executive Committee for review and thence to the General
Meeting for consideration and approval.
3. Assist the Treasurer and Financial Secretary with the collection of welfare dues

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

4. Oversee the disbursement of all welfare benefits due members and shall in
collaboration with the Executive Committee present welfare reports on same to
the Union for consideration and adoption.
5. Perform any other task assigned him/her by the Executive Committee and/or the
General Meeting.
(H)The Presbytery Representatives shall
1. Coordinate all members at the Presbytery level
2. Help the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary to collect dues, levies etc. at the
Presbytery level.
ARTICLE 11: MEETINGS
(A) General Meetings
1. There shall be two (2) General Meetings per annum; one in every
January/February and the other July/August
2. Shall by a simple majority of members present at a meeting and voting (Article
16(2) shall be satisfied for such decisions to have legal effects) take decisions.
3. The agenda for discussion shall be circulated among members before the meeting
day.
(B) Executive Committee Meetings
1. There shall be four (4) Executive Committee Meetings per annum; one in every
quarter and this shall usually precede a General Meeting.
2. The agenda for discussion shall be circulated among members before the meeting
day.
(C) Emergency Meetings
1. Notwithstanding provisions in clauses (1) and (4) of this article, emergency
meetings(s) may be convened when necessary.
2. Without prejudice to any provision in this article,
a. Any five (5) members (at least one each from three (7) different Presbyteries)
may by a petition duly signed by the petitioners and addressed to the

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

Chairman or the General Secretary, request the Executive Committee to

convene an emergency meeting within 14 days from the day of receipt of the
petition to deliberate on issues specified in the petition.
b. Failure or refusal to specify in the petition, the reason(s) for such a meeting
shall render the petition null and void.
c. The agenda for any meeting referred under section (a) of this clause shall be
limited to the reason(s) contained in the petition.
d. Pursuant to section (a) of this clause, Executive Committee members shall not
be part of any group(s) of petitioners. Any emergency meeting summoned by
the Executive Committee shall come under clause (6) of this article.
3. The medium or media of language(s) to be used in addressing all meetings shall
be determined by the attendants. Unless otherwise decided, minutes of all
meetings shall be taken and read in English.
4. Information for all meetings shall be disseminated through the media specified in
article 8(3) above.
ARTICLE 12: ELECTION/APPOINTMENT
1. There shall be appointed an Electoral body by the General Meeting to oversee all
elections of the Union.
2. Nomination to all positions shall be made by all Presbyteries to the Electoral body
when the positions have been declared vacant.
3. A candidate who qualifies under article 5 of this constitution as a full member
shall at an appropriate forum be elected to occupy any of the position of the
Union.
4.

Pursuant to clause (1) of this article, election shall be held for three qualified
candidates who shall be nominated and duly seconded.

5. Before election(s) are held members either by consensus or through a majority

decision shall appoint electoral commissioner(s) from among themselves to
conduct

and

supervise

the

election(s).

The

appointment

commissioner(s) shall succeed the potential nominations.

of

electoral

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

6. Voting shall be by secret balloting.

7. A candidate who obtained the highest number of total valid votes shall be
declared the Presbytery Choirmaster-elect. A candidate who obtained the second
highest number of total valid votes cast shall be declared the Assistant Presbytary
Choirmaster-elect.
8. The work of the electoral commissioner(s) shall end after the election(s) he/she
supervises is/are over.
ARTICLE 13: TENURE OF OFFICE FOR THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
1. A person elected or appointed to serve on the Executive Committee shall subject
to Article 14 of this constitution, hold office for a term of 4 years.
2. An Executive Committee member shall not have his/her tenure of office exceed
two terms of 4 years each.
3. A member who is appointed or elected to complete the unfinished term of an
Executive Member whose position becomes vacant as a result of any provision in
article 4 shall be deemed to have served for one term if the uncompleted tenure
for which he/she is to complete is at least half the entire duration of the
predecessors term. If the unfinished period is less than half the predecessors
term, it shall not count for the successor as having done a term in office incase
he/she is up for election to the same office.
ARTICLE 14: RESIGNATION, REMOVAL OR DISMISSAL FROM OFFICE
1. An Executive Committee member may be removed or dismissed from office
(a) if found to be incapable of performing the functions of his/her office by reasons
of physical or mental disability , and/or
(b) for the neglect of duty including acting in willful violation to any provision(s)
of this constitution, and/or,
(c) for gross misconduct including an act or conduct of commission or omission
that is prejudicially inimical to the interest or aims and objectives of the Union.

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

2. Pursuant to clause (1) of this article, relevant provisions in this constitution shall
take effect in filling a vacant position.
3. Notwithstanding clause (1) of this article, an Executive Committee Member may,
upon giving three (3) weeks notice in writing stating clearly convincing reason(s)
signed by him/her and address to the Union through the Chairman, resign his/her
position. The Executive Committee on behalf of the Union shall address the
person wanting to resign, an acceptance letter or otherwise after satisfying
themselves of the reason(s) stated in the said resignation letter.
4.

Without prejudice to any other provision here contained in this constitution, the
Chairman or the Vice Chairman shall vacate the positions of Presbytary
Choirmaster (i.e. the Chairman) Assistant Presbytary Choirmaster ( i.e. the Vice
Chairman).

(a) If he/she is removed from office under clause 1 (a or b or c) of this article or

(b) If he/she resigns upon satisfying clause (3) of this article.
5. The Vice Chairman shall assume the role of Chairman and by extension the
Presbytery Choirmaster if the Chairman under whom he/she serves resigns or is
removed from office.
6. If clauses 1-5 necessarily become enforceable, an extraordinary General Meeting
shall be held.
(a) for the promotion of the Vice Chairman to the position of Chairman (and by
extension the Presbytery Choirmaster), upon the removal or resignation of the
Chairman.
(b) to find a replacement for the Vice Chairman upon his/her resignation or removal
from office.
(c) to find replacement for the Vice Chairman if he/she is promoted to the position
of Chairman upon the resignation or removal of the Chairman.
7. If a Vice Chairman assumes the position of Chairman for more than two years of
the tenure of office of the Chairman under whom he/she serves (following this/her
resignation or removal from office), he shall be deemed to have completed a full
term.

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

8. If a member assumes the position of Chairman or Vice Chairman for more than
two years of the tenure of office following the resignation or removal of the
Chairman or Vice Chairman from office, he shall be deemed to have completed a
full term.
9. if a Presbytery representative resigns or is removed from office, the affected zone
shall within four (4) weeks appoint or elect a new representative. The new
Presbytery appointee or electee shall ascend the office of his/her predecessor.
ARTICLE 15: FINANCE
1. Each member of the Union shall be liable to pay a monthly due determinable at a
general meeting by a two-third majority approval (two-thirds of members present
at that meeting and voting) and subject to review over time.
2. Funds shall also accrue to the Union through grants, gifts, levies, donations,
interests and profits on investments and other avenues deemed appropriate.
3. The office of the Presbytary Choirmaster and assistant Presbytary Choirmaster
shall employ every mean possible to request not less than 5% of monies accruing
to the Presbytary from congregational levies and this shall be paid into the
Union\s account for use.
4. The Union shall keep its monies at a bank agreed upon at a general meeting.
5. Notwithstanding section (4) of this article, the Treasurer shall keep an imprest not
more than one-sixth (1/6) the total funds accruing to the Union. The quantum of
money as imprest shall be decided by the Executive Committee.
6. The Chairman, General Secretary and Treasurer shall act as signatories to the
Union\s bank account(s). Any two of the signatories including the Chairman shall
reserve the right to sign withdrawal booklets(s) or cheque book(s) for the Union.
7. Withdrawal of money from the Union\s bank account shall be done with prior
notice of the Executive Committee.
8. The treasurer and the financial secretary shall prepare the financial report or
statements on all financial transactions by the Union and shall be read by either of
them.

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

9. The Executive Committee shall appoint internal auditor(s) for approval by a two
third majority of members present at a general meeting to audit the Unions
account(s).
10. Members of the Union shall pay levies as shall be determined to settle benefits
contained in article 18 of this constitution.
ARTICLE 16: QUORUM
1. The quorum for Executive meetings shall be four executive members including
the Chairman and/or Vice Chairman, and Secretary.
2. The quorum for general meetings shall be three Executive members (including the
chairman or the Vice-Chairman, and Secretary) and seven non-executive members
(made up of at least one member from three zones).

ARTICLE 17: COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS

1. The Executive Committee shall reserve the powers to form Commissions or
Committees whose terms of reference and duration for the completion of work
shall be spelt out.
2. Composition for any Committee or Commission shall not be less than three and
not exceed five.
3. The general membership shall have the powers to form Commission(s) or
Committee(s) to look into issues affecting the conduct of the Executive
Committee as a whole.
4. All committees shall be dissolved at the end of the completion of their work.
ARTICLE 18: BENEFITS
1. Benefits due members of the union shall be determined by the Executive
Committee and duly approved by a two- third majority of members present at a
general meeting and voting.
2. Benefits to members of the Union in good standing shall comprise the following;

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

a. Death of spouse .. GHc

b. Death of Child GHc
c. Death of member . GHc
d. Death of a members parent(s) GHc
e. Marriage/Blessing of Marriage GHc
f. Any member of the Union who is in good standing and has served in the
Presbytery for at least . Months and has not received any benefit shall be
given cash benefit of GHc..
g. In the event of prolong illness of a member, the Executive Committee shall
decide on the form of support to be given by the Union.
3. Any decision or recommendation arising pursuant to clause 1 of this article shall
be duly approved by a two- third majority of members present at a general
meeting and voting.
4. Pursuant to clause 2 of this article, the quorum prescribed in this constitution for
general meetings shall apply.
5. Any decision taken pursuant to clauses 1, 2 and 3 shall be valid on after
satisfying clause 4 of this article of this article and any such decision shall be
fairly and evenly implemented until such time that a review is done in
accordance with the procedure(s) specified in this constitution.
6. To qualify for section (g) of clause 2 of this article, a beneficiary shall be an
active member in good standing for at least six (6) months.
7. Without prejudice to any provision in this article, the Executive Committee may
decide to sympathize in monetary terms with any member who have not met
provisions

herein

contained

which

decision

shall

appropriately

be

communicated to the general meeting.

ARTICLE 19: PATRONS/PATRONESSES (METRONS)
1. The Patrons/Patronesses (Metrons) of the Union shall comprise the Presbytery
Coordinator, National Music Director and any other person who shall be willing
to support the Union.

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

2. Such persons specified in clause 1 of this article shall be appointed by the

Executive Committee, and shall play advisory role.
ARTICLE 20: AMENDMENT AND REVIEW
1.

A Review Committee shall be put in place to review any provisions in this

constitution without destroying the spirit and latter of the constitution. A review
shall only be done upon request by a member in a dully signed letter containing
reason(s) for the review.

2. Any member of the union shall be entitled to propose an amendment to any

provision in this constitution. Any such amendment shall be seconded by not less
than five other members three of which shall be from two different zones other
than that of the person calling for the amendment.
3. The member(s) proposing the amendment shall furnish the Executive Committee
with reason(s) for the amendment.
4. The proposed amendment shall be circulated to members of the union in writing
at least one clear month before the meeting at which the Amendment is to be
discussed.
5. Any cost of circulating the proposed amendment document shall be borne by the
Union.
6. Amendments shall take place only at a general meeting of the Union and shall
require the votes of one-third (1/3) of members of the Union.
ARTICLE 21: INTERPRETATION
1. The Executive Committee shall constitute a Judicial Committee to interpret
provision(s) in this constitution on which any member brings an action for
interpretation.
2. Any member(s) seeking clarity to a provision in this constitution may do so in
writing addressed to the Judicial Committee Chairman.
3. The Judicial Committee shall have a minimum of 3 members (for interpretation)
and a maximum of 5 members (for review where necessary).

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

4. Such members of the Judicial Committee shall be appointed from amongst the
general membership of the Union. They may before coming out with any
interpretation consult widely.
5. Pursuant to clause 4 of this article, Executive Committee member shall NOT
serve on the Judicial Committee.
6. Any member appointed to serve on the Judicial Committee shall NOT serve on
any other committee simultaneously.
7. Any interpretation put on a provision in this constitution shall reflect the spirit and
latter of this constitution and shall duly be documented in writing and records of
such issues properly kept.

ARTICLE 22: THE LAWS OF THE UNION

1. The Laws of the Union shall comprise;
(i)

This Constitution

(ii)

By-Laws & Conventions made in accordance with provisions in this

Constitution and adopted by the General Council which shall be duly
documented

(iii)

Administrative Procedures made by the Executive Committee in

accordance with provisions in this Constitution and approved by the
General Council. This shall be documeted

ARTICLE 23: MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR

On matters not provided for in this constitution,
8. any decision of the Executive Committee shall be implemented after approval by
the General Membership through a two-third (2/3) majority backing at a
General Meeting.
9. any decision taken by the General Membership shall be binding.
APPENDIX A

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
1. Notwithstanding anything in this constitution,
(a) the persons duly appointed or elected as Presbytery Choirmaster or Assistant
Presbytery Choirmaster before the coming into force of this Constitution
respectively shall be taken to have been duly elected or appointed to the
offices of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Union for the purposes of this
Constitution
(b) the persons elected or appointed as Presbytery Choirmasters (or Presbytery
reps.) for the respective zones before the coming into of this Constitution shall
be taken to have been duly elected or appointed to serve on the Executive
Committee of the Union for the purposes of this Constitution
2. For the avoidance of doubt, any levies, dues, or donations of all kinds collected in
the name of the Union and any benefit paid to any member before the coming into
force of this Constitution shall be taken to have been properly paid.
3. Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the tenure of office of the first
Executive Committee shall concurrently expire with the official tenure of the
Presbytery Choirmaster (the Chairman) in clause 1(a) of the Transitional
Provisions in this Constitution.
4. Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, persons described in 1 (a) and (b)
of the Transitional provisions shall be taken to have completed a full term based
on clause 3 of the Transitional Provisions and may be eligible for re-election or
re-appointment subject to the relevant provisions in this Constitution.
5. For the avoidance of doubt, a person described in 1(a) of the Transitional
Provisions shall not be eligible for re-appointment or re-election to the offices of
Chairman or Vice Chairman if he/she resigns his/her post or is removed from
office or completes his tenure or loses a second term bid for re-election/reappointment as Presbytery Choirmaster or Assistant Presbytery Choirmaster.
6. The findings of any Committee or Commission before the coming into force of
this Constitution subject to relevant provisions in this Constitution shall be

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

implemented to the latter for the purposes of this Constitution in accordance with
law.
7. All persons holding offices before the coming into force of this Constitution
which offices are recognized by under this Constitution shall take and subscribe
the appropriate oath(s) in Appendix B of this Constitution.
8. All properties acquired for the purposes of Choirmasters under the jurisdiction of
the Union before the coming into force of this Constitution shall be taken to be
properties of the Union and inventories shall be taken and records of same kept.

APPENDIX B
(1) THE OATH OF OFFICE (To be sworn by Executive Committee Members)
I, ______________________________________________________having been
elected (appointed) to the office _________________________ do in the name of
the Almighty God swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Accra
Presbytery Choirmasters Union as by law established; that I will protect the
sovereignty and integrity of the Union; that I will uphold, preserve, protect and
defend the Constitution of the Union; and that I dedicate myself to the service and
well-being of the members of the Union and to do right to all members. I further
solemnly pledge that should I at any time break this oath of office, I shall submit
myself to the laws of the Union and suffer the penalties for it. (So help me God)
(To be administered by a person designated by the Union)

(2) THE OATH TO BE SWORM BY MEMEBRS APPOINTED TO SERVE ON A

COMMITTEE OR COMMISSION
I, ______________________________________________________having been
appointed to serve on _______________________________ do in the name of
the Almighty God swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Accra

Constitution of the Global Evangelical Church

Choirmasters/Organists Union (GECCU)

Presbytery Choirmasters Union as by law established; that I will uphold,

preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Union; and that I will
faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties as a member of
_________________________________. (So help me God)
(To be sworn before the Chairman or any such other person as the Chairman may designate)

(3) THE OATH OF SECRECY

I, ______________________________________________________having been
elected (appointed) to serve as _______________________________ do in the
name of the Almighty God swear that I will not directly or indirectly divulge
information either orally or in writing to any person(s) any matter which shall
come to my notice in the discharge of my official duties except as may be
specially permitted by law. (So help me God)
(To be sworn before the Chairman or a person designated by the Union or any such other person
as the Chairman may designate)

ADOPTION
Adopted this day, the ------------ day of ------------- 2009
Signed

Name

Position

1. -----------------

------------------------------------------------------- Chairman

2. -----------------

------------------------------------------------------- General Secretary

3. -----------------

------------------------------------------------------- Member